Benny Beaver - Historical Link

Historical Link

The school's use of the beaver as a mascot is closely linked to Oregon's prominence in the early American fur trade. During the first half of the 1800s, the Oregon Territory was internationally renowned for beaver trapping.

Much like the gold rush during this same period, trappers trekked from around the globe to make their fortune in the territory's lucrative fur trade. Researchers at the Oregon Historical Society describe the fur as an important economic commodity. "Beaver pelts acquired from European colonies and American territories were sent mostly to London and Paris, where they were sold at large auctions primarily to hat-makers."

The British owned Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a leading fur trader, constructed a number of large forts/trading posts in the vast Oregon Territory to profit, specifically, from the beaver trade.

The HBC's Columbia District was headquartered at Fort Vancouver. The presence of the HBC in the Oregon Territory played a key role in bringing early commerce and civil laws to the Northwest. Notable district HBC supervisor and Oregon historical figure, John McLoughlin, was credited with helping to make the company's beaver trade highly profitable during this early territorial period.

By the 1830s, beaver furs were viewed by both the British and American Governments as a highly valuable international commodity and the two competing interests laid claim to Oregon's vast territory. In 1847, the British Government conceded ownership to America with the signing of the Oregon Treaty.

The beaver's central role in early Oregon history led students at OSU to adopt the semi-aquatic mammal as the university's mascot.